TIF Toolkit Launch on Nonprofit "U"

Valerie F. Leonard
Published: November 23, 2016

Carolina Gaete and Cecile Carroll DeMello, Co-Directors of Blocks Together, will be guests on the Nonprofit “U” radio blog talk show on Monday, November 28, 2016, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nonprofit "U" is a forum where nonprofit stakeholders can discuss the latest developments in the sector and increase their capacity to serve their clients and build sustainable communities. Valerie F. Leonard, an expert in community and organizational development is the host. The show will stream live from BlogTalkRadio.com/nonprofit_u.

When Gaete and Carroll-DeMello were on the show last, they shared how Blocks Together has worked with local residents and elected officials to bring democracy to the TIF program, develop affordable housing and make micro-financing available to small businesses from the neighborhood. They are now ready to launch the TIF Toolkit to share the lessons they have learned along the way with community practitioners around the City. Monday’s episode will include an update on Blocks Together’s work in Humboldt Park and the upcoming community launch of the TIF Toolkit. There will be opportunities for listeners to call in with questions and participate in live chats. Nonprofit professionals and community stakeholders are especially encouraged to call in and share their TIF stories. The live call in number is (347) 884-8121.

Since 2008, Blocks Together has managed to work with local residents and elected officials to bring democracy to the TIF program; develop affordable housing and make micro-financing available to small businesses from the neighborhood.

“I am very glad that Blocks Together is sharing lessons learned with community practitioners around the city of Chicago”, Leonard said. “Their advocacy is making it possible for TIFs to be accessed by the very people whose taxes are being used to finance them.”

Keywords: Capacity Building, Carolina Gaete, Cecile Carroll-DeMello, Community Development, Nonprofit "U", nonprofit podcasts, TIFs, Valerie F. Leonard